A Democrat mayor is under federal investigation, accused of helping illegal immigrants escape ICE.
The probe has been confirmed by U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, who explained the federal inquiry will look into whether the city used federal dollars “in criminal enterprise” related to immigration.
‘If you’re helping violent gangs destroy Tennessee by obstructing ICE — you belong behind bars,’ the Republican posted online Monday.
On Memorial Day, Ogles called for Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell obstructed a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in early May.
Almost 200 people were arrested in a week-long sweep between ICE and state police, according to the Tennessean.
O’Connell had been critical about the involvement of the Metro Nashville Police Department.
The mayor pointed out federal officials had ‘shown us no proof’ that those arrested in the early May operation were people ‘with criminal histories or criminal intent.’
The immigration sweeps took part in largely Hispanic areas of Nashville.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Nashville Mayor, Freddie O’Connell, speaks during the 2024 Music City Walk of Fame Induction ceremony at Music City Walk of Fame on October 30, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee
Rep. Andy Ogles (R, Tennessee) speaks at a press conference at the Tennessee State Capitol Building in Nashville, TN on May 26, 2025. Andy Ogles holds a press conference “Stop the Invasion
‘We don’t even know the names of who they’ve arrested, much less the charges,’ the mayor told WKRN at the time.
‘What we have seen is a violation of due process and the defiance of court orders.’
The Democrat has denied any wrong doing while pushing support for the Belonging Fund.
‘The Belonging Fund supports families known to be impacted as a result of activities related to immigration, but the entire point is family supports, cost of living, those kinds of things,’ O’Connell told the local outlet.
‘It’s not even intended to be about legal services, so it is about people who have identified food insecurity as a result of possibly losing somebody who was an earner in the household, it is about childcare, it is about basic family needs.’
